BAR demand meeting with Button

BAR have tonight demanded a meeting with Jenson Button over his proposed return to Williams next season.

The 24-year-old signed for Frank Williams last night but his current team claim he is contracted to them beyond the end of the season.

Button’s management company Essentially Sport have been ordered to arrange a meeting between the driver and BAR executives by Monday or face legal action.

“We have complete confidence in the strength of our contractual rights and in the option that we have exercised for 2005,” said BAR boss David Richards

Richards claims Button has a binding contract with the team after an option to retain his services was taken by board members.

“The option was approved at a board meeting of BAR on July 20,” he added.

“Jenson and his management team were informed of this in writing well before the end of the option period on July 31, a fact acknowledged by Essentially Sport.

“Notice of exercise of the option had also been lodged with F1’s Contract Recognition Board in Switzerland.”

However, Button has disputed that the option was taken, meaning he could leave for another team.

And he has announced he will return to the team which gave him his first chance in F1.

Richards added: “We have been trying to talk to Jenson for days. He has a clear duty to all of those who’ve worked with him for the last two years to explain to them what is going on.

“If people make commitments they should keep them – and I will use every means available to me to make sure that all the requirements of our contract are met.

“If we do not have a meeting with Jenson by Monday night to sort this out, the processes to enforce our rights under the contract will commence without further notice.

Button maintained tonight he has no doubt who he will drive for next season.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m not a legal expert but from the information I have I’m able to race for Williams next year, which is my aim.

“My main aim is to be champion and I want to challenge Michael Schumacher in the next few years. To do that I think Williams is the best team.

“The resources at BMW are far greater than most teams on the grid and I know how they work.”

The former Benetton driver admits the remainder of the season could be awkward but claims he has enjoyed progressing at his current team.

“My commitment was there for the last two years,” he added. “That was my contract and I fulfilled that and they’ve been a great team to work with.

“Obviously, it will be a bit different compared to the start of the season but these things happen and, as I said, my aim is to be world champion.”